Carolyn Creswell

Biography

Carman’s founder Carolyn Creswell is an inspirational leader whose success proves that you can run a multinational business, love what you do and have a genuine work-life balance.

As an 18 year old university student, Carolyn Creswell founded Carman’s in 1992. She bought the tiny business for $1,000.

In December 2017 Carman’s proudly celebrated its 25th birthday and is Australia’s number one selling muesli brand along with being a leader of deliciously good for you bars and nutritional snacks.

From humble beginnings where Carolyn used to park her tiny Daewoo alongside semi-trailers in supermarket loading docks, Carolyn’s determination and focus on producing quality products using whole foods, has seen Carman’s build a strong following in more than 35 countries around the world.

Carolyn’s passion for healthy food made from real ingredients has cemented Carman’s reputation as a food brand that customers around the world can trust to be natural, healthy and delicious.

As a proud mother of four children aged 15 and under, Carolyn understands the importance of producing nourishing foods for herself and her family and applies this to every Carman’s recipe.

Carolyn’s own commitment to a healthy work-life balance is also reflected at the Carman’s office. Many employees work flexible hours and are encouraged to attend their children’s special events and even take time out to pursue their own passions. The team also enjoys eating lunch together around the boardroom table - trying to take out honours of daily quiz master. Carman’s warm and encouraging environment provides a truly enjoyable place to work.

Carolyn’s business acumen has led to a number of accolades including being named the 2012 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year and the winner of 2007 Ernst & Young’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. She is also a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Carolyn is an Ambassador for the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre and is also a Patron of the St Kilda Gatehouse. Carolyn is a former Board Member of the Human Rights Law Centre.

As Carolyn looks to the future “I’m amazed at the achievements of Carman’s thanks to our loyal consumers. The growth we’ve experienced is thanks to hard work, a talented team and a range of products that we’re really proud of and that people love to eat. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve in the next twenty-five years!”

Topics

• Motivation
• Inspiration
• Carolyn’s business journey
• Entrepreneurialism

Testimonials

Everyone in the audience was very engaged, taking photos of her slides with quotes and she received a big round of applause at the conclusion of her talk.
Impact Events

Great speaker & great story. Simply interesting & engaging.
Buxton Real Estate

Carolyn was fantastic, she has an amazing story and we would book her again!
Success Resources Australia